Ostrenga stepping down after 22 years on liquor commission

James Ostrenga, a 22-year member of the Naperville Liquor Commission, is stepping down and moving to Florida.

Ostrenga's last meeting will be April 6. He will be replaced by Mitch Stauffer, a 13-year resident of Naperville, Mayor Steve Chirico said.

Ostrenga's departure marks the third member to resign from the Liquor Commission in less than two years. U-Jung Choe left after three months when she was chosen to become executive director of the Illinois Liquor Commission, and Diana Williams departed in less than a year because her family was moving to Arizona.

Chirico said some turnover can be good for a governmental board and is to be expected.

"These are volunteer positions, and the fact is that people can leave at any time," he said. "I appreciate the time people put in and don't expect, because they are on the board, that other things in their life won't come in to play. If consequences or an opportunity comes up, I don't mind there being turnover. Fresh eyes can be good."

Ostrenga brought "a lot of institutional knowledge" to the commission, which was appreciated, Chirico said.

He is also closing his Naperville medical practice as a cardiologist, Ostrenga said.

"I've lived here since 1985, and Mayor (George) Pradel wanted me to be on the board as he felt there should be a medical person on the commission," Ostrenga said. "As a cardiologist, I was more interested in regulating smoking, and probably the work I am proudest of is the tobacco ordinances we now have in place."

Photo provided by Mitch Stauffer

Mitch Stauffer

Mitch Stauffer (Photo provided by Mitch Stauffer)

Ostrenga also praised the work the commission has done to improve the city.

"For a time, there were issues with fights happening downtown, and about four years ago, we changed things with the no-entry law toward the end of bar service at night and having no shots of liquor poured within an hour before closing," he said. "We turned things around downtown and now have fewer DUIs. I've been honored to serve on the commission."

Stauffer, 54, a partner with the business services firm Ernst & Young, will join the board at its May meeting.

"I don't feel the need to be too heavy-handed as liquor does play a role in people's lives, but I want there to be safety and not have Naperville become a party town," Stauffer said. "There has to be a balance, and government can play a role. As I've gotten older, I feel more responsible to add to the collective thinking in the realm of liquor and prevent issues as much as possible."

Stauffer said there is a balance to be found between "Naperville becoming a Rush Street in Chicago and a dry town."

"Those are two extremes, and there is a balance between having nothing or being too free and easy," he said. "You can't have business owners be irresponsible, and a lot of issues are avoidable if managed right. This can still be a fun town, but alcohol consumption could become excessive if we hand out licenses left and right. We need to fully vet where, when and why, and what is the purpose."

Stauffer is the mayor's brother-in law. According to Illinois State Board of Elections records, he was one of the largest contributors to Chirico's election campaign in 2015. He made two donations for a combined $5,001 contribution, records said.

Chirico said he checked with city lawyers before choosing Stauffer and was told there was no conflict of interest in appointing a family member to an unpaid volunteer position, Chirico said.